W124 shock absorber questions

[MHoza]

I am looking to replace the shocks on my 1995 E300D. The current (original set) feel a bit floaty at times and I would guess that at 181Kmi they are due for replacement.

I would like to go a bit stiffer without over doing it. Right now I am thinking that the Heavy Duty Bilsteins may be my best option. My understanding is that they are firmer than the Comforts but a good deal less firm than the Sports. It is also my understanding that the comforts are equivalent in firmness to the stock setting. Is this true.

I can also get a great deal on shocks from the dealer through a friend. Does MB have a part number shock that might be a better bet? Would Sport Line struts & shocks work?

Are the Sportline shocks Bilstein? Does anybody have the parts numbers for Sportlines?

Mercedes uses multiple suppliers for their shocks & struts. (Sachs seem popular) Does anybody know if these are all the same quality? Would they be as good as the after market Bilsteins? The Bilsteins do come with a lifetime warranty.

I seem to recall that the 500E used a very special shock. Would these work on my car? (I also seems to recall that the rears are self leveling which would not work)

Lastly, my brother has a near new set of W201 sportline struts & shocks. I compared them to W124 struts and shocks and they look identical. Would these work?

Thanks,

Mike

www.michaelhoza.com